When a robot system enters the European Economic Area, the importer or the integrator becomes responsible for the conformity of the complete machine. Verifying the supplier documentation early avoids costly rework at customs or during the first audit.
Documents to request before payment
- EC Declaration of Conformity naming the exact model and the applied directives
- Technical construction file or a written commitment to provide it to authorities on request
- Risk assessment covering the intended use and foreseeable misuse
- Circuit diagrams for electrical, pneumatic and safety functions
- Instruction manual in the language of the destination country
Which directives usually apply
A robot cell typically falls under the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU and the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU. If the cell includes pressure equipment or is intended for explosive atmospheres, additional directives apply. Ask the supplier to list every directive in the declaration, not only the machinery one.
Safety components are the weak point
Most non-compliance cases we see involve safety components rather than the robot body. Light curtains, safety relays, emergency stop circuits and interlocked guards must carry their own CE marking and be wired according to the risk assessment performance level.
Who signs the declaration for an integrated line
If you buy a robot body and integrate it yourself, you become the machine manufacturer and must issue the declaration for the complete machine. If you buy a turnkey line, the line supplier should issue it. Confirm this responsibility in the contract before ordering.
Lyncuan supplies CE documentation with every robot body and control cabinet, and can provide the risk assessment template for the complete cell on request.
